banjotech - Posted - 02/26/2010:  12:41:48

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This topic is regarding re installing a Shubb capo for the 5th string. First I would like to say I don't want this to be an arguement about the Shubb vs RR spikes.

I had one on my original banjo 30+ years ago. Played that banjo a lot including on stage. Never had a problem with it. For some reason I can’t remember, I took it off a long time ago and lost it. I’ve been using spikes since.

I bought another a few days ago; the long one. Installed it myself using the original holes which had been previously filled. The install went without a hitch, and I remember how much I loved it because of not having to retune the 5th string.

However, there are 2 problems I don’t remember having before. 1). When the capo is not in use, it seems very close to the open 5th string and sometimes buzzes the string. I’ve opened it as much as possible. This causes it to be very wobbly with a possible inclination to have a metal buzz. 2). When sliding on the 4th string from below the open capo to above it, my finger catches it and slides it up also? I’ve tried to find a 4th string position to avoid this, but it doesn’t seem possible.

Your thoughts?

MitchellB - Posted - 02/26/2010:  13:00:21

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As far as the buzz goes, you may try to take off the little spring and bend the arm so that is will be tighter when holding down the string. I used a heavy electrical wire to replace the rubber over the arm of the capo. Just pulled the old wire out of the inside of the rubber/plastic covering and slipped that rubber/plastic over the wire arm of the capo. I don’t know that you can do anything about hitting it with your fingers when you play other than just try to avoid doing it or trim the wire short with wire cutters. One of the reasons I never installed the Shubb on my newest banjo is it was often in my way if I used my thumb to note the 5th string. I got short fingers. However I still use it on my old banjo and can see advantages and disadvantages to both RR and the sliding wire. Neither is perfect in my opinion.

banjotech - Posted - 02/26/2010:  13:09:10

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Hi MitchellB, thanks for the input but you lost me. "replace the rubber/plastic over the arm of the capo"? Likewise, I don't think I can remove the spring from the mechanism without destroying it. Hopefully you can clear this up for me...thanks again.

dpete210 - Posted - 02/26/2010:  13:28:41

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banjotech, if you contact Rick Shubb and explain your problem to him, I am sure he could help you. I have found him to be very helpful. You can contact him via email: shubb@shubb.com
His web page which is found here: http://www.shubb.com/ Click on Products and you'll see the capos, etc.
Good luck!

Banjowen - Posted - 02/27/2010:  02:25:21

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quote:

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Originally posted by banjotech

Hi MitchellB, thanks for the input but you lost me. "replace the rubber/plastic over the arm of the capo"? Likewise, I don't think I can remove the spring from the mechanism without destroying it. Hopefully you can clear this up for me...thanks again.

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I think MitchellB is getting mixed up with a cheaper 5th string capo that's on the market which has a spring which presses down on the 5th string, the Shubb has a screw which tightens a small metal finger down onto the 5th string, I used a Shubb 5th string capo for years until someone told me that spikes were better and so I sold it and installed spikes.....it was the worst advice i've ever been given, the shubb "never" put the 5th string out of tune, but with the spikes i'm constantly retuning.

steve davis - Posted - 02/27/2010:  04:50:12

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I stopped using my shubb slider about 12 years ago,but when I did use it
I would tighten it slightly when not in use(not enough to contact the string)
and this tension would keep it from rattling.

I don't have any retuning issues when I use one of my bridges and
let the 5th string rest directly on the 5th fret instead of in a pip.

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Edited by - steve davis on 02/27/2010 04:53:58

steve davis - Posted - 02/27/2010:  04:56:17

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If you are having a contact/buzz issue when not in use,I would think the
slide is mounted a bit too low on the 5th fret end.

Alex Z - Posted - 02/27/2010:  12:06:21

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To banjotech:

Since you want to use the original holes, repositioning won't work.

I had a similar problem on a former banjo. What I did was file down the underside of the capo part so there would be adequate clearance above the 5th string when the capo was not in use. Then I filed a little off the end of the capo part -- the tip that faces the 4th string -- again to provide more clearance, between the tip of the capo and the 4 string. Thus, more room for your finger when sliding.

The capo part is brass, and files easily. What you end up with is a custom fitted capo part that works well with your particular instrument.

Hope this helps.

steve davis - Posted - 02/27/2010:  12:15:05

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The old hole(s) can easily be filled with a glued in piece of toothpick
and redrilled.
The difference won't be much and the plug will probably be hidden by the slide.

Helix - Posted - 02/28/2010:  05:46:16

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It sounds like it's low, talk to MR. Shubb.

MitchellB - Posted - 02/28/2010:  09:30:15

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Sorry, you may be right. I bought that sliding (spring) cape back about the early 70’s and always though it was an early Shubb before they began making the more expensive one with the large screw down arm that came out later. I though that was what you were talking about. Sorry my mistake. Played a few banjos with more bulky type clamp (Shubb) with the screw sticking out the side of it them and I had to keep dodging the thing with my left hand thumb; always preferred the little wire spring. Now I’m wondering what brand my sliding capo is? Sorry for the mix up.

John Allison - Posted - 02/28/2010:  13:46:10

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Never bought a new banjo so I was always faced with using what came with the banjo: as such, I have an ODE with the long Shubb capo and a Sullivan Greenbrier with the spikes. You know what, they both work great and have no problems noted with either one. Like them both. The spikes leave a little cleaner looking banjo and the Shubb is a little easier to set.

mvolcjak - Posted - 02/28/2010:  22:45:30

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I resolved any potential buzz issues by removing the "finger" when not in use. I countersunk the screwhole on one end of the bar so I could use a flat head screw (this is on the end closest to the pot) and remove the "finger" when not in use. This way it is never in the way and it cannot cause a buzz when it is in my pocket. On my older model shubb, (1970's), the finger could be taken apart and the spring could be easily removed. On the newer model, I just cut spring out with a set of nippers.

I have used these capos like this for many of years in all types of situations from gigs to jams. The finger goes on and off fairly quickly, (vest pockets make things even quicker), and I have yet to loose a finger piece.

As far a catching the bar, you could taper down the end with a file. This would get you down to the brass, so it would mar the appearance somewhat - but the finish will wear off over time anyway.

Or you could contact Shubb and see what they say as there are those that would consider my solutions somewhat radical.

Take it easy ... MarK